The correlation of self-reported stuttering severity and acceptance: A survey-based study

Abstract

Purpose

The current study explores the relationship between acceptance of stuttering and severity of stuttering.

Method

An electronic survey was distributed to 64 adults who stutter. Participants were recruited through speech-language pathologists who work with clients who stutter. Participants completed a demographics questionnaire and 9-point Likert scales reporting stuttering severity and acceptance of stuttering and three open-ended questions explaining the reason for their selection on the Likert scale and what acceptance means to them.

Results

Stuttering severity positively correlated with self-reported acceptance of stuttering. The majority of participants reported having high acceptance, followed by some with low acceptance. Qualitative themes shed some light on the process of acceptance of stuttering and how it impacts overall stuttering management.

Conclusion

The results illustrated that self-reported stuttering severity and acceptance of stuttering are positively correlated. Limitations within this study and the role of acceptance in stuttering management are discussed.

Keywords:

• Stuttering
• Acceptance
• Severity of stuttering
• Acceptance of stuttering